Canton Family Life 3-23

March is upon us — the early blossoms are sprouting from their twiggy branches, and the fields are becoming greener with lush grasses and young clover. Soon, my backyard will be hopping with rabbits, and a few young deer will eventually appear.

One of my simple pleasures is relaxing in a cool pad of clover, reflecting on my day, and enjoying the extra hours of sunshine that we’ll have once we spring forward on March 12. After a few years of running my fingers through the many clusters of clover in my yard, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that there are none of the four-leaf variety taking up residence there. Truth be told, I feel lucky even in their absence, which has me generally questioning this whole “luck” thing.

What is “luck” anyway? In searching the origins of this mysterious notion, I find it peculiar there was no luck before the mid-15th century, and oddly, history tells us

TheSeasonLucky

that much of what we know about life back then didn’t seem so lucky for most. But luckily for us, many had the determination and ability to overcome their trials and tribulations.

We hear people wishing for luck to be good, wanting more of it, praising it, thanking their lucky stars, admiring their own, or coveting the luck of others. We envy the perception of “lady luck’s” presence or admonish the existence of her evil twin, “bad luck.” However, some believe bad luck isn’t anything but the absence of good luck or “luck” in general, right? That’s why, personally, I cannot wrap my head around the whole “luck” thing.

We never grow wiser from being lucky. We grow from hard work, determination, preparation, and perseverance. Being alert, taking more chances, and standing ready to recognize and take advantage of opportunities is what manifests “luck.” With any luck at all, we’ll be happier, better, and more fulfilled when we all realize just how lucky we are to be celebrating life each day.

In the words of Mother Teresa, “Life is Luck.” Wishing you the best this day.

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Cyndi Braun

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER/ PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matthew A. Dimassi, Joshua Fuder, Bill Grant, Lisa M. Grisham, Kevin Huff, Barbara P. Jacoby, Karen L. Jordan, Kay Kirkpatrick, Tim Morris, Kara Rumble, Ellen Samsell Salas

Family Life Magazines

6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com

Family Life Magazines have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in Canton including Sixes/BridgeMill, Ball Ground, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, and Waleska.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher Emeritus

MARCH

2-4 The Reinhardt University Opera Students in RU’s opera program perform Hansel & Gretel. This event is FREE, no reservations or tickets required.

7:30pm Friday and Saturday and 3:00pm Sunday, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

2, 9, & 16

Vets and First Responders

Fly Fishing Classes

Experienced and certified instructors teach you to fly fish on the upper Etowah River. You must be able to commit to all three classes. FREE! Lunch and all equipment are provided. Please call or email to register.

9:30am-2:00pm, Boys and Girls Club, 1082 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-778-2252 (Rob Hilkin). RobFlyFisher@gmail.com

3

National Day of Unplugging — Celebrate this day by turning off your computer and leaving your smartphone at home (or at least only use it if there’s an emergency). Instead, spend the day taking a hike, meeting a friend for lunch, taking care of items on your “to do” list, or doing another activity you enjoy without worrying about electronic interruptions.

3 & 24

Parent’s Night Out

Drop off the kids at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids swim, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. Tickets $15 early registration or $20 late registration. 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

11 Cherokee Music Teachers Association Meeting

Following the meeting, enjoy a lecture by Dr. Jerico Vasquez called “Bongos, Clusters, Stompin...,Oh My!”

8 & 22

Team River Runner Intro to White Water Kayaking for Veterans — Military veterans can participate in this FREE white water kayaking instruction session that covers paddle strokes and rolling. Gear provided if needed. 7:30-9:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 706-974-4832.

March Is — International Ideas Month; as well as National Caffeine Awareness, Cheerleading Safety, Craft, Credit Education, Hemophilia Awareness, Kidney, Music in Our Schools, Nutrition, Peanut, Small Press, Social Work, Umbrella, and Women’s History Month; and Endometriosis Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, and Rising Star Month.

Some Bunny Special — Through April 4, Cherokee Recreation & Parks Association will be collecting prefilled Easter baskets to be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County. Candy must be in the original, sealed package. Baskets should have Easter-related items only. Regular hours, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

MilVet Meetup — Meeting on the first Monday of each month, this Cherokee County group builds a local community for military members and veterans. Family is always welcome. 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com

TeamRiverRunner.org

The lecture will address extended techniques for elementary, intermediate, and early advanced students. Dr. Vasquez is professor of music and coordinator of keyboard studies at Shorter University. This event is FREE and open to the public. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center (second floor classroom), 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net

ONGOING

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — On the first Thursday of each month, past or present military members, spouses, parents, and anyone interested in serving our country gather to support each other. 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) — On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, connect with individuals who fill grandparent roles and bring honor to Christ in grandparenting. Glean fresh ideas and find a confidential place to share experiences with new friends who can relate. 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

Canton Business Club Meeting — Each Wednesday morning, network with professionals dedicated to serving their community and clients while providing value to local business owners. 8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook. com (search for “Canton Business Club”)

11

Celebration of Education Gala — Event features cocktails, a silent auction, and live music by local artists Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler, as well as dinner and a full program during which Alumni of the Year Awards are announced. Proceeds benefit students, teachers, and staff of CCSD schools. 6:00pm, Northside Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CCEFGa.org

11 Thomas Fountain With Special Guests Will Tipton and Mary Kate Farmer

Experience live music by these local artists. Tickets $2025. 7:00-9:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770704-0755. Eventbrite. com (search “Thomas Fountain/Canton”)

17 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC)

Fundraising Luncheon

Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds support local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am1:00pm, Cedarhurst of Canton, 3100 Hidden Valley Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

17-26 Once Upon a Mattress

16

Cherokee Film Summit — This annual event cultivates the film community by bringing business partners, film industry professionals, and local creatives together for “reel” opportunities. Take part in breakout sessions and networking, while listening to expert panelists who help you ignite ideas and make connections for seeing them through. Fee $50 per person. 5:00-9:00pm, Yanmar EVO Center, 5889 Old Alabama Road, Acworth. 770-3450600. CherokeeGa.org/film-media

Car-B-Que at the Flat — On the second Sunday of each month, come out for this cruise-in and car show. Classic and modern rides welcome. 10:00am-2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/CarBQueAtTheFlat

Trivia Night — Each Thursday night, gather your dream team and compete for prizes. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

Music at Menagerie — On the second Saturday of each month, enjoy an evening under the lights while local musicians share songs and stories. BYOB. FREE! 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

Karaoke Night — On the first Friday of each month, grab a pint and get on the mic! 8:00pm-10:00pm, The Mill on Etowah/Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com/events

Presented by Lolek’s Storytellers, this hilarious musical is based on the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.” Check the website for ticket prices. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm and Sundays 3:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. Loleks.ticketleap.com

continued on page 8

LIBRARY EVENTS

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

BALL GROUND

435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground 770-735-2025

R.T. JONES

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090

SEQUOYAH-CON

March 4, 10:00am-6:00pm, R.T. Jones

All ages are invited for a day of fandom fun. The library will host Pokemon-themed events featuring crafts, trivia, and a costume contest. Visit the website for the full schedule of events.

FAMILY STORYTIME

March 7, 14, & 21, 10:30am, R.T. Jones

Join Miss Madison for this program, which is perfect for children of all ages. Participants will read stories, play games, and do crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FAMILY STORYTIME

March 10, 17, & 24, 11:00am, Ball Ground

Join Ms. Cat for this program, which supports early literacy with books, songs, and fingerplays and is followed by a craft activity. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

HOME ORGANIZATION 101

March 15, 11:00am, Ball Ground

Special guest and professional home organizer Michelle Clark will teach participants how to organize their homes. This program is for adults only.

TWEEN BOOK CLUB

March 28, 4:45pm, R.T. Jones

On the last Tuesday of each month, participants ages 10+ will meet to discuss the book that was announced at the previous meeting and play games. March’s book is Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly. This club is best suited for those at a 5th grade reading level or higher. Registration is preferred.

continued from page 7

18 Business is Blooming: A Downtown Business Collaborative Art Show

Members of the downtown Canton business community will show off their creativity in this collaborative show. Be sure to vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice category. FREE! 6:30-8:30pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

MARCH 20

22 What’s Up Wednesday: What’s Up with Ms. Magnolia Thomas?

Learn about the life of Woodstock native Magnolia Thomas and decorate a pencil case. This program is intended for ages 3-7, $5 per person (museum admission not included). 11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288 x4. HistoryCherokee.org

25 & 26

2nd Annual Etowah Wildlife Expo

Get wild at this two-day event, which features more than 100 vendors, a falconry educational show, bass fishing demonstrations, a reptile show, dock diving dogs, live music, and a Kid Fun Zone. FREE! 12:00-6:00pm (event) and 6:00-8:00pm (live music), The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. Etowah-Expo.Webflow.io

25 & 26

Wing & Rock Fest — Bring friends and family to enjoy great food and live music at the third largest chicken wing festival in the country. Check the website for full event details. Saturday 12:00-7:00pm and Sunday 12:006:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com

27 Golf2Grow, Inc. 2023 Kickoff Golf Tournament

This four-person scramble event partners with SmileUp Foundation 501(c)3 and the Boys and Girls Club to send four Cherokee County children to summer golf camp with new golf equipment. Fee is $125 per golfer. 7:30am registration and 9:00am shotgun start. The Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. 770-883-8493. Golf2Grow.com

Dive In Movie — Splash into the recreational pool to enjoy a movie on an inflatable screen. Everyone in the pool must be able to swim. Children in life jackets must have a parent in the water within arm’s reach at all times. Fee is $10 per person. 6:00-8:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

Seniors Trying To Live Solely on Social Security

[Lifestyle] As a teenager, I worked to earn extra money for things I enjoyed, but I also had what my dad called a “hole in my pocket.” I spent money faster than I earned it on useless things. My go-to summer job was the apple/peach farm in Thomson, Georgia. My dad thought that was the best job to make men out of me and my brothers.

One of my brothers, who has always been good with money, found a way to make more than minimum wage. Rather than being paid hourly like the rest of us, he decided to be paid by the number of baskets he picked, which equated to $1.50 more per hour. While this was a clever discovery, my brother also had to work three times as hard as the rest of us. He knew how to save money and was the only person I knew who had an actual savings account as a teenager.

That same brother never watched the first play of the Thomson HS football games

By Tim Morris

because he was under the bleachers with a flashlight looking for lost money. He knew that on a cold night, people would put their hands in their pockets to stay warm, and money would fall out when they pulled them out to cheer or clap.

Now 64 years old, my brother did a great job planning for his retirement. My other brothers and I also did well in planning for our financial futures. But that’s not always the case for some seniors who solely rely on Social Security. Seniors who rent their homes and have a lot of expenses struggle financially, which is why you see people in their 70s and 80s still working to make ends meet.

Our society needs to do more to help seniors who can’t help themselves because we are also seeing a rise in elderly homelessness. There are some resources available but not enough to truly give them the help they need. If you know a senior who’s struggling, please contact Cherokee Senior Services. L

Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

Dear Cherokee County Constituents, I

am looking forward to representing Cherokee County in the Georgia State Senate for the 2023-2024 term. A little background information about me — I’m a retired orthopedic surgeon, serving 12 years as president of a surgical group. Since being elected to the Senate in 2017, I’ve worked a lot on health care and insurance issues as well as supporting those in uniform including first responders, active duty military, and veterans. I serve in the Georgia State Defense Force’s 132nd Medical Unit, which supports the National Guard.

Additionally, I’m a Rotarian and serve on the board of the Resurgens Charitable Foundation. I have been chair of the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee and a member of the Health and Human Services, Insurance and Labor, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees. I also serve on the Commission on Family Violence; I’m a liaison to the Commission on the Holocaust; and I represent Dobbins on the Georgia Joint Defense Commission. The legislative session began January 9 and will go until March 29. The early part of the session is mostly ceremonial and involves swearing in all the legislators and setting up rules. This session started off a little slow due to the Georgia Bulldogs’ successful season and the inauguration of our governor and constitutional officers. Committees and offices were then assigned.

Throughout the session, many bills will be introduced, and committees will meet. Each bill that is heard and approved in a committee goes to the Rules Committee before receiving a floor vote in the originating chamber, which then “crosses over” and starts the process in the other chamber. Bills that pass by day 40 are sent to the governor for his signature.

Also, Georgia’s Constitution requires us to pass a balanced budget. This is a lengthy process that involves a lot of negotiation between the House and Senate.

If you’d like to track the session’s progress, visit Legis.Ga.gov. You can search legislators, see committee information, and track legislation by either the bill number or keyword. All meetings are live-streamed and archived, so they can be viewed at any time.

The Capitol is open to the public and is well worth a visit. All you need is a photo ID. There is also a Page Program, which is an exclusive opportunity for Georgia’s students between 12 and 18 years of age to visit the State Capitol and serve the members of the House of Representatives. This program must be set up in advance, and each legislator gets a limited number of pages. Please contact Sky.Park@senate.ga.gov if you have a child who is interested.

For more information, please visit SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com. Also, feel free to contact me at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov or 404-656-3932 if you have specific concerns.

Sincerely,

State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, represents District 32, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-3932. SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com

Staff Changes Announced in Office of District Attorney

On January 31, 2023, Chief Superior Court Judge Ellen McElyea swore in Susan K. Treadaway as acting district attorney of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit and Katie Gropper as chief assistant district attorney. The change in leadership comes following former District Attorney Shannon Wallace being sworn in as Superior Court judge in Cherokee County.

Treadaway, who has served the citizens of Georgia as a felony prosecutor for nearly 20 years, will hold the position of acting district attorney pending Gov. Brian Kemp’s appointment of Wallace’s successor. She was previously the chief assistant district attorney. Gropper, the new chief assistant district attorney, has been a prosecutor for more than 15 years.

Other staff members who received new assignments include Damion Overstreet who will serve as deputy chief assistant district attorney for the new courtroom, Rachel Hines who will move into Gropper’s previous position of deputy chief assistant district attorney for the Special Victims’ Unit, and Kimball Murdock and Dan Worrell who were promoted to senior investigators.

Highlights of State of the County Addresses

48th Annual First Citizen of Cherokee County Announced

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce announced Kendall Jones as its 48th recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award.

Jones is the Cherokee Community Liaison at MUST Cherokee. He also volunteers with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (2021 Volunteer of the Year), Cherokee’s Homeless Coalition, Cherokee FOCUS, and Canton Housing Authority, where he holds the title of board chair. Jones is an active member of Canton First United Methodist Church, serving as missions chair for three years and a member of the Men’s Prayer Group and the choir.

The title of First Citizen is bestowed upon a resident who has lived in the county for at least five years and has significantly served the community through family, civic, and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges reviews the accomplishments of each applicant and chooses the winner based upon merit.

Cherokee County School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower, Cherokee County Commission Chairman Harry Johnston, and Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin delivered State of the County speeches in January.

Hightower shared metrics illustrating the strength of the District, which serves more than 42,000 students. The graduation rate increased 17 points to 92.3%, with 97% of students being college ready. Students outperform 90% of other Georgia students. Hightower also pointed out the strong financials of the District, highlighting the reduced use of bonds and a reduced millage rate.

Johnston’s address focused on the natural gifts in the community, as well as its great manmade resources, infrastructure, and plans for the future. His focus is to keep making Cherokee County the best place to live by gradually reducing the growth rate over the next 30 years and catching up on transportation infrastructure while continuing to be fiscally responsible.

Martin spoke about Cherokee By Choice (CBC) 2.0, a continuation of the endeavor that has businesses choosing to relocate to Cherokee County. The initial program brought in more than $467 million and 2,175 jobs. A survey completed in preparation for the launch of CBC 2.0 indicated a focus needs to be made on advanced manufacturing, corporate/regional headquarters, and entrepreneurship/innovation.

All three State of the County presentations can be viewed at CherokeeGa.com.

(L-R) Acting District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway and Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper, Office of the District Attorney, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County, Georgia

Chair-Elect Trey Ragsdale congratulates First Citizen of Cherokee County Kendall Jones.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Hightower

Commission Chair Harry Johnston

Kendall Jones delivers his acceptance speech.

Community

Explorers Bring Home Trophy From BSA Winterfest

In January, Explorer Post 469, a junior firefighter program in Cherokee County, competed in the annual BSA Winterfest Competition at Rocky Top Sports World and the Gatlinburg Fire Training Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. More than 1,000 explorers and venturers from across the country attended the event.

Explorer Post 469 placed 3rd in the Bleeding Wounds & Shock event and competed well in other events against nearly 30 other fire and EMS teams. Explorers performed tasks including interior searches, removal of victims, hose deployment, and emergency medical treatment.

For more information about Explorer Post 469, visit JoinCherokeeFire.com.

Canton Rotary Club Honors Community Leaders

The Rotary Club of Canton honored two community leaders with top awards for professional excellence. The Robert S. (Bob) Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award was presented to Cherokee County School Board member Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, and the W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award was presented to Cherokee County Acting District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. Both now advance for consideration for the regional awards presented by Rotary District 6910.

Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison took office in January for a four-year term on the Cherokee County School Board following her election last November. Treadaway is serving as acting district attorney following the appointment of Shannon Wallace to a Cherokee County Superior Court judgeship.

Chamber Announces 2023 Leadership and Teen Leadership Cherokee Classes

The 20 members of the Leadership Cherokee (LC) class were chosen following participation in a nomination, application, and interview process. Over the next several months, the LC class will participate in sessions that focus on topics such as economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, health care, and social/human services.

Following the nine-month program, the LC class will graduate in September.

Saunders, Encompass Ministries; Michelle Meek, The Children's Haven, Inc.; Marc Liscio, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services.

The Chamber also selected its 2023 Teen Leadership Cherokee Class (TLC). The applicants, all high school sophomores who live in Cherokee County, were asked to submit an in-depth application including their school and community involvement as well as a video answering the question “Why should I be selected for Teen Leadership Cherokee?” After reviewing the applications and videos, local business leaders selected the class.

The TLC Class attended an orientation with their parents and a retreat on January 21. The 18 class members have been working to develop a sense of community while discovering the impact of teamwork upon their peers, schools, and county. A graduation ceremony will be held later this month.

For more information on the Chamber and its programs, visit CherokeeChamber.com.

(L-R) Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison and Susan K. Treadaway

Explorer Post 469, front row (L-R) Coleman Gwinn, Colton Liam, Colton Lusk, and Garrett Bowers. Back row (L-R) Simon Velardez, Bryson Vaughn, Seth Stephenson, Colton Grier, and Lucas Holden

Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2023 include front row (L-R) Delease Chester, Canton Tire & Wheel; Sheila Keeffe, His Hands Church; Barbara Corey, Wellstar; Kristin Norton Green, City of Canton; Jenna Geary, MUST Ministries; Anna Teal, Teal Marketing, LLC; Rebekah Gibson, Soil Erosion and Education, LLC. Second row (L-R) Jenn Goddard, RE/MAX Town & Country; Katy Leggett, City of Woodstock; Laura Gentilello, Woodstock West by Walton; Heddy Proctor, Next Step Ministries, Inc.; Mark Smith, Cherokee County School District; Chyretta Fullmore, Georgia Division of Family & Children Services; Courtney Argo, Goshen Valley Foundation. Back row (L-R) Chad Davis, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Kayla Cleveland, Cherokee County Office of the Solicitor-General; Casey Barton, City of Holly Springs; Lynne

Students of the Teen Leadership Cherokee Class of 2023 include front row (L-R) Zuri Maina, Woodstock; Brett Fillar, Woodstock; Lavanya Shankar, River Ridge; Abby Gillis, Woodstock; Riley Schultz, River Ridge; Elizabeth Hebert, Sequoyah; Felisa Vazquez, Cherokee; Emma Miller, Cherokee; and Isabella Benavides, Creekview. Second row (L-R) Leia Lankford, Woodstock; Caleb Miller, Creekview; Cade Smith, Creekview; Revis McClairen, River Ridge; Carrington Presley, River Ridge; Isabel Harper, Sequoyah; Melanie Rein, Sequoyah; Emily Wilson, River Ridge; Lois Dwomoh, Woodstock; Chair Emili Roman; and Vice-Chair Todd Hayes

Cherokee County History Center Wins Awards

History Cherokee won Special Projects #2 and #4 Awards at the Georgia Association of Museums conference in January. These awards were given for the History Center’s new exhibits and for the documentary, The Way It Was: Stories of Cherokee County's Desegregation, created in partnership with Scrapbook Video Productions.

Cherokee County School District Announcements

STAR Students and Teachers Announced

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, student honor is awarded to the high school senior from each Georgia public and private high school with the highest score on any single test date of the SAT and who also ranks in the top 10% or top 10 students of his/her class based on grade point average. Each honored student is invited to select his or her favorite teacher to be named that school’s STAR Teacher.

The CCSD honorees are Cherokee HS’s student Griffen Bon (1) and advanced placement (AP) chemistry teacher Mark Segall (2) and student Braden Flournoy (3) and AP computer science teacher Carla Thornton (4) (tie between two students); Creekview HS’s student Kylie Buchanan (5) and AP chemistry teacher Jason Hardin (6); Etowah HS’s student Avi Stein (7) and AP English teacher Tina Parmar (8); River Ridge HS’s student Nandita Bipin (9) and honors English teacher Wendy Vander Veen (10); Sequoyah HS’s student Taryn Mareau (11) and AP English teacher Dr. Cathy Murphy (12); and Woodstock HS’s student Lydia Lord (13) and AP English teacher Jacqueline Vance (14).

The overall Cherokee County winner is the school honoree with the highest eligible SAT score, which was a three-way tie between Griffen Bon, Braden Flournoy, and Avi Stein. They now advance to regional competition, and the 12 region winners will contend for the State PAGE STAR Student title. STAR Teachers continue with their students through these additional levels of recognition.

Liberty ES Earns Recertification as Georgia School of Character

Liberty ES is one of only 73 schools around the world, and one of only two in Georgia, to be recognized by the nonprofit Character.org as a state 2023 School of Character. The organization advocates for all people to become “educated, inspired, and empowered to be ethical and compassionate citizens.”

Seven CCSD Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidates

As candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, these seven students are among only 5,000 from the more than three million graduating seniors in the nation’s class of 2023 selected to participate in the prestigious recognition program. Only 173 students from Georgia were named candidates.

Established in 1964 by executive order of the president, the program was designed to honor and recognize extraordinary graduating seniors. Candidates for the invitation-only recognition program are initially selected based on outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT. For the next round of competition, semifinalists will be selected based on an application that considers overall academic excellence, personal character, leadership, and service activities. Finalists will be selected based on further review of their success in these areas, with 161 Scholars to be named in the spring. Scholars receive national recognition and an invitation to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House.

(L-R) Harvee White, education manager; Thomas Paterson, development and communications coordinator; Stefanie Joyner, executive director; Kaylee Johnson, exhibits and collections manager

Avi Stein

Kylie Buchanan Braden Flournoy

Kylie Mudie

Carson Heath Summer McRoy Griffen Bon

FOLLOWING THE Golden Rule

By Ellen Samsell Salas

When Tony and Tracee Craft decided to open their Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in Canton, they didn’t foresee that the pandemic would make the first months of their enterprise very rough. But they did know that being fair, transparent, and responsive to their customers, in short — following the Golden Rule by treating their customers as they would want to be treated — would be the guiding principle of their endeavor.

“Love your neighbor as yourself. That’s the impossible commandment,” Tony said. “But we’re called to try.”

Servicing all makes and models, Christian Brothers Cherokee (CBC) is part of a family of more than 250 Christian Brothers franchises dedicated to the motto, “What brings us joy? — Taking good care of you.” From tune-ups and scheduled maintenance to prepurchase inspections and computer diagnostics, CBC goes above and beyond the typical car repair experience.

“We try to give the customer the best overall experience. The best techs, best technology, best parts, best warranty. Our customers love us, and we love them right back,” said Tony.

Teaming up with Christian Brothers Automotive was a natural fit, as Tony’s connection to the automotive repair business dates back to his great grandfather. But although Tony grew up around the business, it was his years serving as a pastor that sharpened his empathy for people who are having a bad day.

“People aren’t coming to us because they want to,” he said. “So, we try to treat every single customer like they’re family. When you’re coming to us, you’re getting a lasting repair at a fair price.”

Because they provide top quality service, CBC is happy to offer customers the Christian Brothers Nice Difference threeyear, 36,000-mile (whichever comes last) limited warranty on parts and labor.

PROVIDING THE BEST TECHNICIANS

Delivering top-notch service begins with the CBC technicians. Taking his time in the interview process, Tony looks for skilled techs who know today’s cars. He also looks for people who are going to care for the customers.

Christian Brothers Automotive Cherokee franchise owners Tony and Tracee Craft with their two children, Jayden and Mykaela

L-R Paul and Leonard, service advisors, and Jeremiah, service manager

“I’m blown away by my guys. I’m blown away by what wonderful people they are,” he said. “The customers reap the rewards of that spirit.”

With Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians, three of whom are master technicians, the CBC stays current on the rapid developments in automobiles and is able to deliver fast, reliable service.

“Technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Today, a tech has to be an electrician, a grease monkey, a mechanical engineer,” Tony said. “I look for people who are not only caring, but also smart problem solvers.”

CREATING PEACE OF MIND FOR EACH CUSTOMER

Key to putting the customer first is being transparent and responsive. Technicians provide photos of the items they inspect, explain the work that needs to be done, and do not begin repairs until the customer authorizes them to proceed.

"We like everyone who comes through our door. We love the people who love us, and we value the few who don't because we can learn from them," Tony said.

If a customer has a question or concern, Tony calls them, listens, and asks how the team can make them happy. Customers can also rest assured that CBC will use only the best parts available.

“You might be able to get a repair done more cheaply, with lower quality parts, but if you’re planning on keeping the car, and if you want peace of mind, that’s what we try to provide,” Tony explained.

In the process of rolling out a customer loyalty program, CBC also provides the perks that are hallmarks of the Christian Brothers brand: complimentary shuttle service, clean waiting rooms, free Wi-Fi and beverages, and no worrying about how much the bill will be. That is made clear before work begins.

“We try to provide all of these services, so that the customer has peace of mind when he leaves our shop,” Tony said. “If our repair fails, we fix it at no cost. Customers shouldn’t have to fight, so we don’t.”

HELPING OTHERS

CBC’s commitment to the community extends beyond business hours. Tony and his team have partnered with local aid groups to service vehicles for homeless and disabled veterans, and they dedicate each October to helping those who lack the means to pay for vehicle repairs.

Raising their children, Mykaela, 6, and Jayden, 4, in Canton, Tony and Tracee remain committed to serving their customers and their neighbors.

“It’s a blessing to be able to do it,” Tony said. “We just want to love on people. We feel strongly about that.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a free inspection, please call or visit the CBC website.

Fixing

L-R Andrew, Rockett, Kenny, Ben, and Adam, technicians

Mayor’s Message

STATE OF THE CITY 2022 in Review

By Mayor Bill Grant

EIGHT TENETS OF THE ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS — Last Year’s Progress

1. CREATING GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS

• $1M SUPPORT in agreement with the Canton Housing Authority for a 9% Income Housing Tax Credits application

• 1.98 ACRES for a potential small cottage residential project at Laurel Canyon

• $2.8M COMMITTED in a low interest loan for the Shipp Street housing redevelopment, including a new community park

• 251 UNITS approved for an age-restricted affordable housing project within the Riverstone Master Plan

• 280 UNITS approved for a multifamily residential project as part of The Mill on Etowah Master Plan

• 124 UNITS approved new single-family residential development off Dr. John T. Pettit Drive

2. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

• 13 BUSINESSES owned by diverse populations have joined in the launch of Connecting Canton Program

Thestate of our city is more compelling than ever before, and we are determined to continue to brighten our community in the coming year and those that follow.

Today’s Canton is home to more than 35,000 residents. Businesses have celebrated silver and gold anniversaries, and new entrepreneurs have recently invested in Canton, as they seek to serve our neighbors and our growing local and regional economies. We have community partners working with Team Canton to assist with public safety, judicial and community services, and to provide support to residents across a wide spectrum of backgrounds and needs.

At the end of the day, we all are working together to write Canton’s compelling narrative — a story we should take great pride in telling for generations to follow.

When I was elected Mayor in 2019, I promised to work with our citizens to build the Canton that we all aspired to see. In collaboration with our City Council and after understanding the needs and wishes of our community, we created and launched the Roadmap for Success in 2020.

Eight distinct tenets form the basis on which we review business at every Council meeting, explore opportunities for capital investment, determine priorities for spending, create and tweak public programming, and task our city manager with operating our city.

As we move into the development of the next phase of our Roadmap, we will continue to engage our citizens as cocreators in the future of our community.

• 30 VENDORS at CanTeen-hosted Young Persons Job Fair

• 11 NATIONS represented Canton’s growing diversity at second annual Multicultural Festival

3. ADVANCING REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUCCESS

• 39.5 ACRES adjacent to Park Village purchased for light industrial, office, residential, and commercial development

• 172 LICENSES of New Occupation issued in Canton

• 37 PROPOSALS pending for 400 jobs and $89M in capital investment, 53 property listings on ZoomProspector

• 903 EVENTS occurred in Canton in 2022

• $600K FUNDING from Appalachian Regional Commission for a pedestrian trail bridge

• 325 ACRES of property purchased at Lake Canton

4. ENHANCING HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CANTON

• 13 BUSINESSES are new to downtown

• 790 EVENTS have been held downtown, including events hosted by local businesses

• 22 CERTIFICATES of Appropriateness issued

• 4 FILM PERMITS issued, including A Friend of the Family, currently streaming on Peacock

5. SUSTAINING OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

• 5 EV STATIONS installed in the downtown parking deck, providing 10 potential charging ports

• 100+ VOLUNTEERS in attendance at Rivers Alive Etowah River Cleanup Day

• 150 BAGS of trash collected from the Etowah River on Cleanup Day

6. CONNECTING CITIZENS TO PARKS AND RECREATION

• 112 EVENTS relating to Parks and Recreation

• 6.2 ACRES purchased for first City park in south Canton

7. IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

Some major accomplishments include:

• Continued design and environmental analysis of SR 140

• Completed the Canton Transportation Master Plan, including opportunities for public input and project prioritization

• Continued Water Pollution Control Plant expansion project that allows modernization and efficiencies of wastewater treatment

8. LEADING WITH EXCELLENCE

• 21 YEARS of continuous GFOA Budget Awards

• 935 REQUESTS for FOIA information processed $20/hour starting base compensation for all City employees

• 872 YEARS of combined service by City staff

Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

Teeth Sensitivity

By Matthew A. Dimassi, DMD

[Healthy Life] Do your teeth hurt after consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks? How about from breathing cold air? You may be experiencing teeth sensitivity — indications include getting a mild twinge, having severe dental pain, or feeling prolonged discomfort. It is important to seek guidance from your dentist to determine the root cause.

Teeth sensitivity is a common but uncomfortable oral health issue that usually occurs when the tooth enamel has been worn down. Enamel acts as a shield around teeth to protect the inner tooth and nerves against cavities and decay. Although tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, it is not invincible. By frequently consuming sodas and sweet snacks or utilizing teeth as tools, the enamel becomes weakened and vulnerable.

If your tooth is sensitive, it means the root has been exposed, triggering pain. Sensitivity can also be a sign of more serious dental problems such as cavities, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, teeth grinding, or gum disease. Do not ignore sharp pain in your teeth. Diagnosing the cause of your sensitivity is imperative to determining the proper treatment.

To ease teeth sensitivity:

 Use a toothbrush with extra soft bristles.

 Avoid teeth whitening toothpaste.

 Don’t rinse after brushing your teeth.

 Avoid harmful foods and drinks.

 Ask your dentist about using a desensitizer.

If you experience intense pain when brushing or flossing, or when enjoying your favorite foods and drinks, contact a dental professional. Your dentist and his/her team will evaluate your smile and provide you with solutions for managing and treating tooth pain. March 6 is National Dentist Day, so it’s the perfect occasion to make sure your pearly whites are in tip-top shape. To celebrate, pay close attention to your oral hygiene habits and schedule a dental checkup. Your smile will thank you!

Dr. Dimassi is a dentist with BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

PUT POISON ON POINT During Poison Prevention Week

By Lisa M. Grisham, CPSTI

March 19-25 is National Poison Prevention Week and a great opportunity to share important safety tips and remind everyone to keep the Poison Help Line stored in your contacts in case of an emergency for you, your family, or even your pets.

Did you know that, every hour, five children are rushed to the ER for medicine poisonings? In most cases, these accidents are completely preventable. Kids get into, well, everything! To a child, medicine can look like candy, and in many cases, medications are made to look like candy, so little ones will be more likely to take them. Keeping medicines out of reach of children is something we have all heard, but a reminder is always a good thing.

Over the past two years, melatonin overdoses have increased in children. Many of these overdoses occurred because melatonin often comes in colorful gummy form, and it tastes good. This is also the case with many types of vitamins. Be sure you are giving your child the correct dose for his/her weight or age and use the right tools to administer medications. A teaspoon from your kitchen drawer does not equal a true teaspoon of medicine.

Child resistant packaging does not mean childproof. In fact, adults are more likely to have trouble opening a child resistant package than a child is. So, these packages should also be stored out of reach. Even when stored out of reach, children often find ways to climb to get what they want. Consider using a cabinet lock to ensure medications are protected.

Parents and caregivers should be responsible for administering medications to young children, so do not ask them to get their own doses. When children are visiting your home, or if your child is visiting another home, take necessary precautions to ensure medications are out of reach.

What should I do if I suspect poisoning?

If you suspect poisoning, call the Poison Center immediately at 800-222-1222. Someone is available 24/7 for questions and advice. The Poison Center isn’t just for children. The staff can answer questions for any age group and provide confidential, nonjudgmental, fast, free, expert advice. They even answer questions about animals.

Some examples of calls received by the Poison Center are:

• My husband accidentally took his medication twice. What should we do?

• I was bitten by a snake. Should I try to catch it?

• What happens if my son took too many antidepressants?

• A student dared my daughter to eat some berries outside.

Should I call 911 or the Poison Center?

Always call 911 if someone is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures or convulsions because that person needs immediate medical assistance. And, just to dispel a couple of urban legends, never induce vomiting or have a patient drink milk unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

By putting poison prevention on point, you are protecting your loved ones. For more information, please visit GeorgiaPoisonCenter.org or SafeKidsCherokeeCounty.org.

Lisa M. Grisham is the senior fire safety educator for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and the coordinator for Safe Kids Cherokee County. 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 678-493-6296. CherokeeCountyFire.org

Book Review

BY KARA RUMBLE

READY PLAYER ONE

During the month of March, the Sequoyah Regional Library System presents its annual convention: Sequoyah-Con! All ages are invited to the R.T. Jones and Woodstock libraries for a day of celebrating fandoms of all kinds. As always, Sequoyah-Con is free to attend.

This year, each branch will have its own day of festivities. R.T. Jones Memorial Library is hosting Pokemon-themed events on March 4, featuring crafts, trivia, and a costume contest. Woodstock Public Library is hosting cryptid-themed events on March 18, featuring a special Bigfoot story time with storyteller Tracy Walker, tabletop role playing games, and a presentation from professional paranormal investigators. The event includes activities that appeal to all ages, so grab a friend or bring the whole family for a fun-filled day. See the full schedule at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Video gamers and fans of the science fiction genre can pregame for Sequoyah-Con by reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Follow Wade Watts, as he attempts to escape a dystopian society by exploring the world of virtual reality, going on a grand adventure to find an elusive Easter egg that is said to be the key to fortune. Along the way, Wade is joined by acquired comrades to help complete a series of missions, much like those seen in culturally beloved video games. Will Wade and his crew find treasure or terror? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

The library is your place to find your next read and so much more. Check out a Chromebook or hotspot from the Library of Things collection, attend one of many library programs, or check out an Experience Pass for a free adventure to Zoo Atlanta, Georgia State Parks, and more. We hope to see you soon at the library.

Kara Rumble is the deputy director for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. RumbleK@seqlib.org. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Bathroom

1. Use a putty knife or Magic Eraser to remove dried soap scum from bathtubs, sinks, and tile.

2. Mix a teaspoon each of liquid soap and baking soda and add a few drops of antibacterial soap to create a nontoxic paste to clean tubs and sinks.

3. To clean smelly drains, pour a mixture of ½ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup salt down the drain followed by 1 cup of heated vinegar. Let the drain foam and bubble for 10-15 minutes before running hot water down it for 30 seconds to rinse it out. Please note that this concoction does not unclog drains.

4. To clean hardwater build up on faucet nozzles, cut a lemon in half, attach the citrus side to the nozzle, and secure it with a sandwich bag and a rubber band. Let it soak for at least an hour, then use a scrubbing pad to remove the loosened grime.

5. To clean toilet stains, add a tablespoon of powdered oxygen bleach to the bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. Do not use chlorine bleach, especially if you have a septic tank. The oxygen bleach should either remove the stain completely or loosen it enough so that you can use an ordinary toilet brush to remove it.

TIPS FOR Deep Cleaning LIKE A PRO

By Julie Senger

Aswinter ends and warm weather begins, many of us are motivated to purge unwanted or unneeded items, reorganize what remains, and scour our homes. Check out these tips that are sure to make this spring cleaning process a little easier, using items and ingredients you likely already have on hand. Before using any of these tips, consult owner’s manuals to prevent possible damage.

Furniture

1. Use a lint roller to remove dust from lampshades and curtains.

2. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on your sofa or mattress to remove unpleasant odors. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before using a handheld vacuum or your vacuum cleaner with an attachment to suction up the baking soda.

3. To remove stains from pillows or cushions, mix 1 tablespoon each of white vinegar, dish liquid, baking soda, and warm water and gently rub the concoction into the stain. Be sure to test the mixture on an old piece of fabric or inconspicuous spot on your furniture before applying to the stain. Wipe the spot with warm water after removing the stain.

4. Wrap a moistened cloth around a paint stir stick to dust between the slats of blinds. If your blinds are wooden, dry completely to prevent moisture from warping them.

5. Use coffee filters or newspaper to wipe down window cleaner on glass and mirrors for a streak-free shine.

Kitchen

(Please also read the “Bathroom” section for drain, faucet, and sink cleaning tips.)

1. To loosen grime from ovens that aren’t self-cleaning, fill an ovensafe bowl or pot with water, turn on the oven to 450 degrees, and the steam that is produced will help loosen stuck-on dirt for easier cleaning once it cools back down. Baking soda mixed with lemon can be used to scrub stubborn spots.

2. Make your own stainless steel surface cleaner by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish detergent with 1 quart of hot tap water. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the solution onto dingy areas, rinse with hot water, and dry with a clean cloth. You can also use car wax to remove smudges and fingerprints from stainless steel appliances — just follow the directions on the container.

3. If your kitchen garbage bin has an unpleasant smell, mix equal parts borax and water to deodorize it. This tip can also be used for any other trash receptacle inside or outside your home.

4. To clean your microwave, place half a lemon in a cup of hot water, then heat it on high for 2-3 minutes to create steam to loosen dried food particles.

5. Use hot water to clean the inside of your fridge. For stubborn stains and/or undesirable smells, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per one cup of hot water for a deeper clean. Use a clean towel for drying.

6. Use distilled white vinegar to clean greasy cabinets. For delicate finishes, dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water. Be sure to try the solution on a small, inconspicuous test spot before spraying on the entire surface.

Countertops & Shelves

Since these can be made from many different materials (granite, ceramic tile, quartz, laminate, wood, etc.), please consult your owner’s manual for the safest way to clean specific types of counters and shelves.

Floors

Like countertops and shelves, floors can be made from many different materials. Here are a few general tips.

1. Hot glue a wide-tooth comb to the top of a dustpan to keep the bristles of your broom clean. Just run your broom’s bristles through the comb’s teeth to get rid of any debris that’s stuck in them.

2. Put used dryer sheets on the bottom of your sweeper as an inexpensive way to pick up dust and hair from hard floor surfaces.

3. If you drop an earring, needle, or other small object in your carpet, cover your vacuum hose with an old nylon and secure it with a rubber band. Turn on the vacuum and use the hose to suction the area where the item was dropped, which will stick to the nylon without being pulled all the way into the vacuum.

BallGroundNotes

Springtime in Ball Ground

By Karen L. Jordan

Afterthe cold winter months, spring is always a welcome time of longer, warmer days and nature’s rebirth. Flowers are blooming, trees are coming back to life, and birds are singing cheerful songs. What a great time to bring the family to Ball Ground.

Ball Ground’s 2023 events calendar is filled with many fun activities. You can also enjoy great restaurants, shopping, and parks — such as the beautiful Roberts Lake Trail

The first event of 2023 is the 2nd Annual BBQ & Brews Festival on April 8, which will be held in City Park (177 Old Dawsonville Road) from 12:00-8:00pm. There will be plenty of food and entertainment for everyone.

On April 26, Ball Ground will celebrate Georgia Cities Week by hosting its 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck Event, which is an opportunity for residents to check out the City’s many work vehicles, learn about the valuable services that are provided, and get a look inside City operations. Touch-A-Truck will take place at the Ball Ground Community Building (250 Civic Drive) from 6:00-8:00pm.

The Georgia Swarm Lacrosse team, along with teams from the eastern band of Cherokee Indians from Murphy, North Carolina, and possibly the Mississippi band of Choctaw Indians, will offer lacrosse demonstrations at the City’s Multi Use Recreational Field (235 Old Dawsonville Road) on April 29. The Georgia Swarm is an Eastern Division team in the National Lacrosse League. The team plays its games in the Gas South Arena in Duluth. Event time is to be determined. Please visit CityOfBallGround.com for updates.

On May 13, from 9:00am-3:00pm, the Ball Ground Garden Club will host its 6th Annual Plant Sale, where carefully cultivated native and heirloom plants will be sold. More than 30 local vendors offering arts and crafts, food and beverages, and many other items will be at the event, to be held in the Ball Ground Botanical Garden (215 Valley Street, adjacent to City Hall).

Other Events in Ball Ground

 May 20, Concert in the Park, featuring the Whiskey Rose Band

 June 24, Fireworks and the Fly Betty band, fireworks will begin at 9:30pm

 September 9, Concert in the Park, featuring Guardians of the Jukebox

 October 7, Ball Ground Rocks Festival, bands TBD

 December 1, March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots, parade begins at 7:00pm

These events are just some of the many reasons why Ball Ground Is the Place To Be.

Karen Jordan is the city clerk for Ball Ground. 215 Valley Street, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com

The Reality of the Resurrection

By Rev. Kevin Huff

[InGoodFaith] As Easter is approaching, I want to focus on the reality of the Resurrection by reviewing John 20:19-21. Here, we find Jesus’ disciples hiding behind closed doors “...for fear of the Jews.” Since Jesus had been crucified, his disciples were afraid that the same may happen to them because they were his followers. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare.” In other words, fear can paralyze and keep you in bondage.

In John 20:19-21 something supernatural removed the disciples’ doubt and fear. The disciples thought Jesus was dead, but what removed their fear was the presence of the Lord. Verse 19 says that “…Jesus came and stood in the midst and sayeth unto them, Peace be unto you.” What a miracle this was! The doors were shut, and Jesus appeared out of nowhere to comfort them. One of the things that will remove doubt and fear in our lives is being in the presence of the Lord.

When a person becomes a Christian, Ephesians 1:13 says that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not only the Lord’s presence with the believer, but also his presence within the believer, which brings great peace and joy in difficult circumstances.

After Jesus said, “…Peace be unto you” in John 20:19, verse 20 says that “when He had so said, He showed them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.” When the disciples saw

the nail-scarred hands and the scar in his side where the Roman soldier pierced him at the cross, they understood the reality that Jesus had risen from the dead.

Jesus came into this world for one reason, which was to go to the cross and shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. The reality that Jesus shedding his blood forgives sin is further validated by his resurrection. Hallelujah! What a savior! I pray you and your family have a blessed Easter by focusing on the reality of the Resurrection. L

Kevin Huff is the pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church, 78 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-213-1690. HopewellBaptist.com

Teacher Feature

BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

Asa college student, Knox ES STEM Academy teacher Christina Parker wasn’t sure of her career path until it cartwheeled into her heart.

After high school graduation, she began coaching gymnastics to help pay for college. As she taught her students, she learned about herself, too.

“Going to the gym quickly became the best part of my day, as I was able to encourage young gymnasts to push themselves athletically, set goals, and work hard to achieve them,” she said. “Because of the connections I made with the gymnasts and their families, I realized that teaching would be a great fit for me. There is no better feeling than to see a child who once struggled not only succeed but succeed and then help other struggling students.”

A 19-year teacher, Parker taught second grade until 2020, when she began teaching English as a second language and early intervention program students.

“Learning new reading and math skills requires students to risk being wrong or giving the wrong answers,” said Parker, who was named her school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. “Building relationships is key in creating an environment to encourage

CHRISTINA PARKER

students to take risks. Struggling students don’t often feel success, and this can be very defeating and can cause little ones to give up before they even get started. I like to start with skills the children are capable of doing and let them feel successful in their learning before tackling the harder skills. Once they realize they can do it, they want to do it, and then their learning journey begins.”

One of her favorite techniques is teaching important concepts using a familiar tune or rhyme. “In my small groups, there is a lot of clapping, rhyming, singing, and chanting,” she said.

Parker also spreads joy through school volunteerism. For the book fair and car rider duty, she dresses up as characters, such as Clifford the Big Red Dog. She also serves on the School Council, helps with the school food pantry, and volunteers with her church Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

“I think the most important way I serve in my school is simply by helping the classroom teachers with whatever they need on a daily basis,” Parker said. “By building up and supporting the teachers, I am also making an impact on the students.”

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?

“Parents can help their child be successful by reading to their children. As your children get older, they can take turns reading with you,” Parker said. “Some parents might think that their child is too old to be read to, but that is not true. It’s a great time to snuggle up, read a little, and talk about what you read. It’s a great time to share memories of your childhood, stories of coming to our country, or your favorite book. Communication produces language development, which then produces learning in all academic areas.”

Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. 770-704-4228. CherokeeK12.net

In March, Plant Potatoes Not Tomatoes

By Joshua Fuder

[Home Life] Despite how pleasant the weather in March may be or how good the tomato seedlings look at your nearest nursery, please do not plant your tomatoes (or other tender summer vegetables) in March. They will not survive a frost without protection, which, on average, occurs midApril. Instead, choose cool season greens and root crops such as potatoes, which can be planted as early as four to six weeks prior to the average last frost date.

Many people plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day, which is a good way to remember it. Potatoes aren’t grown from seeds; they are grown from pieces of “seedå” potatoes that have started to develop “eyes.” Apart from the thicker skinned, russet types, many varieties of potatoes grow well in Georgia.

When preparing “seed” potatoes for planting, cut 2-ounce pieces of potato that have at least two eyes. After cutting, the pieces should be placed in a dry shed or garage for a day to allow them to dry and heal over. Plant the pieces 4-6 inches deep and 10 inches apart in loose garden soil. When plants are about 6 inches tall, begin hilling more soil around their stems. Hilling increases yield and protects shallow tubers from developing in the sun, which makes them green and unpalatable.

Raised beds and containers are a great option for potatoes. Be sure to plant “seeds” at least 6-8 inches below the top of the structure to allow for hilling or adding more soil, as they grow.

As soon as foliage appears, keep an eye out for the dreaded Colorado potato beetle. If you see small clusters of bright orange eggs on the undersides of leaves, remove them. The beetle larvae will devour foliage in days.

Harvest just after flowers appear for new potatoes or after plants begin to turn yellow and fade. After harvest, potatoes should be put in an area out of the sun to dry. Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash with water until ready to cook them.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

SANAZ “SUNNY” DILLARD

Expressing Beauty, Wisdom, and Love

Always seeking truth, Persian-American artist Sanaz “Sunny” Mousavi Dillard has embraced risks and carved her own path. As a child, she was punished for portraying mullahs as thieves who steal people’s freedom. At 14, she navigated Tehran’s trains and buses, hoping to meet Hossein Elahi Ghomshei, the scholar and philosopher she had heard on the radio who would become her spiritual mentor. Freeing herself from an arranged marriage at 17, Dillard raised her son as a single mother while waiting 14 years to join her parents in Georgia.

In her quest to find and express truth, Dillard has studied Persian poetry and Greek philosophy as well as the works of American writers Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. Accomplished in watercolor and acrylic painting, the Woodstock resident has found inspiration in American folk art and in modern artists like Marc Chagall. Happily remarried and now the mother of two sons, Dillard also teaches watercolor and Persian calligraphy.

Abstract and surreal styles allow Dillard to find and express beauty, wisdom, and love.

“I don’t search for fame. I look into myself and look for art that has human values and accepts that imperfections, ugliness, and beauty are hand-in-hand in life,” said Dillard.

When beginning a work, Dillard sometimes is driven by an event that triggers emotion. Other times, as in her recent depiction of the Chicago skyline, she familiarizes herself with a subject, researching and living with it. But once she applies paint to canvas, she frees her imagination — her connection to the “divine force” within herself — and allows the work to take shape.

Most of Dillard’s paintings burst with bright hues such as magenta, yellow, green, and turquoise. Applying the paint to her canvas with brushes and palette knives, she creates rhythm and movement through the interplay of lines, crosshatching, smudges, and dripping. Colors, shapes, and textures dance and vibrate, moving the viewer’s eye. Sometimes, she applies the paint thickly to create bold textures and rich designs. Other times, she creates flat surfaces and achieves a transparent effect.

Deeply attuned to women’s struggle for equality, Dillard

might depict female figures who blend with other elements, visible yet invisible, waiting to be found and celebrated. Other figures, animals, trees, leaves, flowers, and even text join her abstract strokes and shapes, creating layers of meaning that enable viewers to find their own connections to her art.

“When I paint, I am showing people my heart. It takes a lot of courage,” she explained. “The artist puts everything out there, hoping we can connect. I care about what the viewers think, but at the same time, I know, ‘This is me.’”

For more information or to view additional works by Dillard, please visit AsheqArt.com. You may also connect with the artist on Facebook or Instagram @asheqart.